The effect of Bushenhuoxue nutritional decoction in the treatment of overweight patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome.

Objective: To assess the effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) nutrition treatment (Bushenhuoxue nutritional decoction) in overweight patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: Retrospective analysis of 96 overweight patients with PCOS who received treatment in our hospital from October 2020 to June 2022 was done. Among them, 46 patients received routine drug treatment and daily dietary intervention (control group), while 50 patients received additional TCM nutrition support in addition to routine treatment (observation group). Glucose and lipid metabolism indicators and hormone levels were compared between the two groups before and after the treatment. Ovulation rate, pregnancy rate, and adverse reactions were compared between both groups one year after the treatment. Results: After treatment, the improvement of glucose and lipid metabolism indicators and hormone levels in the observation group was significantly better than in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the TCM syndrome scores of the two groups were lower than that before treatment (P < 0.001), and the TCM syndrome scores of the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.001).Ovulation and pregnancy rates were significantly higher in the observation group compared to the control group at 1-year follow up (P<0.05), and the incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Combined with conventional drug treatment, TCM nutrition treatment can significantly improve glucose and lipid metabolism, hormone levels, and TCM syndrome of overweight PCOS patients, increase the ovulation and pregnancy rates, and reduce potential adverse reactions.

Case Report: A Sudden Thyroid-Related Death of a 15-Year-Old Girl.

A 15-year-old young girl was found dead at home. There were no indications of any intervention or the application of force. On the previous day, she was admitted to hospital because of palpitations, fatigue, a headache, and a swollen neck. During a physical examination, a swollen thyroid gland and tachycardia were found. In the family history, her mother had thyroid disease. According to the laboratory values, she had elevated thyroid hormone levels. After administration of beta-blockers, the patient was discharged and died at home during the night. The parents denounced the hospital for medical malpractice; therefore, a Forensic Autopsy was performed. Based on the available clinical data, the autopsy, histological and toxicological results, the cause of death was stated as multiorgan failure due to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) caused by the autoimmune Graves disease. The forensic assessment of the case does not reveal medical malpractice. Post-mortem diagnoses of thyroid disorders in cases of sudden death can be challenging. However, as the reported case illustrates, the diagnosis could be established after a detailed evaluation of antemortem clinical data, autopsy results, histology, and a toxicological examination.

Effects of puerarin as a feed additive on the laying performance, egg quality, endocrine hormones, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal morphology of aged laying hens.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of puerarin (Pue), a phytoestrogen, on the production performance, egg quality, endocrine hormones, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal morphology in aged laying hens. A total of 180 Hy-Line Brown hens aged 480 d were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 45 per group) and fed 0, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg of Pue (Con, L-Pue, M-Pue, and H-Pue, respectively) during a 42-d experiment. Compared with the Con treatment, supplementation with H-Pue improved laying performance and egg quality by significantly increasing egg production, average egg weight, albumen height, yolk weight, and Haugh unit (P < 0.05) while decreasing the feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). A diet supplemented with H-Pue significantly decreasing serum total triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.05), and significantly increasing serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and progesterone (P < 0.05). Antioxidant activity was improved by significantly increasing the activity of total antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase and catalase but decreasing malondialdehyde levels in serum, jejunum, and ileum (P < 0.05), and superoxide dismutase activity exhibited a significantly increase in the jejunum and ileum (P < 0.05). Villus height and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (P < 0.05) were significantly increased in the jejunum and ileum. In the jejunal and ileal mucosa, the three treatment groups increased the mRNA expression levels of Claudin-1 and Claudin-2 compared with Con (P < 0.05), and no significant effect was observed on the expression of Occludin and ZO-1. The results showed that dietary supplementation with Pue could improve the laying performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, hormonal profile, and intestinal morphology of aged laying hens.

Impact of vaginal estriol on serum hormone levels: a systematic review.

The genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) affects up to 84% of postmenopausal women and may significantly reduce the quality of life in some. For symptom relief, there are several non-hormonal and hormonal vaginal products available. In Europe, vaginal estriol (E3) is the most frequently chosen estrogen for GSM treatment. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the impact of vaginal E3 on serum sex hormone levels, an outcome that has been previously used to assess safety in similar products. In our review, we did not find any alterations in serum estrone, estradiol, testosterone, progesterone and sex hormone binding globulin levels after vaginal E3 application. In contrast, some studies showed a minimal and transient decrease in serum gonadotropin levels, which however remained within the postmenopausal range. Similarly, only a few studies reported a minimal and transient increase of serum E3 levels, with the rest reporting no changes. The lack of clinically relevant long-term changes in serum sex hormone levels supports the current literature providing evidence about the safety of vaginal E3 products.

Nickel as a potential disruptor of thyroid function: benchmark modelling of human data.

Introduction: Nickel (Ni) is one of the well-known toxic metals found in the environment. However, its influence on thyroid function is not explored enough. Hence, the aim of this study was to analyse the potential of Ni to disrupt thyroid function by exploring the relationship between blood Ni concentration and serum hormone levels (TSH, T4, T3, fT4 and fT3), as well as the parameters of thyroid homeostasis (SPINA-GT and SPINA-GD) by using correlation analysis and Benchmark (BMD) concept. Methods: Ni concentration was measured by ICP-MS method, while CLIA was used for serum hormone determination. SPINA Thyr software was used to calculate SPINA-GT and SPINA-GD parameters. BMD analysis was performed by PROAST software (70.1). The limitations of this study are the small sample size and the uneven distribution of healthy and unhealthy subjects, limited confounding factors, as well as the age of the subjects that could have influenced the obtained results. Results and discussion: The highest median value for blood Ni concentration was observed for the male population and amounted 8,278 µg/L. Accordingly, the statistically significant correlation was observed only in the male population, for Ni-fT4 and Ni-SPINA-GT pairs. The existence of a dose-response relationship was established between Ni and all the measured parameters of thyroid functions in entire population and in both sexes. However, the narrowest BMD intervals were obtained only in men, for Ni - SPINA-GT pair (1.36-60.9 µg/L) and Ni - fT3 pair (0.397-66.8 µg/L), indicating that even 78.68 and 83.25% of men in our study might be in 10% higher risk of Ni-induced SPINA-GT and fT3 alterations, respectively. Due to the relationship established between Ni and the SPINA-GT parameter, it can be concluded that Ni has an influence on the secretory function of the thyroid gland in men. Although the further research is required, these findings suggest possible role of Ni in thyroid function disturbances.

Transcriptome and hormone metabolome reveal the mechanism of stem bending in water lily (Nymphaea tetragona) cut-flowers.

Water lilies are popular ornamental cut-flowers with significant economic and cultural value. However, stem bending affects the preservation of cut-flowers during their vase life. To gain further insights into the molecular mechanisms of stem bending, transcriptome profiling, hormone measurement, and morphological analysis were performed using the stems of the 'Blue Bird' water lily. Transcriptome analysis revealed that 607 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were associated with the dorsal and ventral stems of the water lily, of which 247 were up-regulated and 360 were down-regulated. Significant differences in genes associated with plant hormones, calcium ions, glucose metabolism, and photosynthesis pathways genes involved in the dorsal and ventral areas of the curved stem. In particular, DEGs were associated with the hormone synthesis, gravity response, starch granules, Ca2+ ions, and photosynthesis. The results of qRT-PCR were consistent with that of the transcriptome sequence analysis. A total of 12 hormones were detected, of which abscisic acid, indole-3-carboxaldehyde, indole-3-carboxaldehyde and jasmonic acid were significantly differentially expressed in the dorsal and ventral stems, and were significantly higher in the dorsal stem than in the ventral stem. The cell morphology in the dorsal and ventral areas of the curved stem clearly changed during vase life. The direction of starch granule settlement was consistent with the bending direction of the water lily stem, as well as the direction of gravity. In conclusion, stem bending in water lily cut-flowers is regulated by multiple factors and genes. This study provides an important theoretical basis for understanding the complex regulatory mechanism of water lily stem bending.

Dietary cholecalciferol and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation interact to modulate reproductive performance, egg quality, serum antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology and tibia quality of breeder geese.

1. A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) supplementation on the reproductive performance, egg quality, eggshell ultrastructure, serum hormone level and antioxidant capacity, intestinal morphology and tibia quality of breeder geese during the laying period.2. The trial was designed as a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement with three levels (300, 400 and 500 IU/kg) of vitamin D3 supplementation and three levels (25, 50 and 75 µg/kg) of 25-OH-D3 supplementation in a 10-wk feeding trial.3. The results showed that the combined supplementation of 400 IU/kg vitamin D3 and 50 µg/kg 25-OH-D3 had a better feed conversion ratio and a higher egg laying rate than the other groups. Vitamin D3 supplementation significantly increased the rate of qualified eggs for hatching, eggshell strength and thickness, serum testosterone and progesterone levels, serum total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities, tibia ash content and bone mineral density (P < 0.05). Dietary 25-OH-D3 supplementation significantly increased serum glutathione peroxidase activity and duodenal villus height and villus height-to-crypt-depth ratio (P < 0.05). The geese receiving 500 IU/kg vitamin D3 and 75 µg/kg 25-OH-D3 had the highest tibia calcium and phosphorous content among all groups (P < 0.05).4. Feeding 400 IU/kg vitamin D3 plus 50 µg/kg 25-OH-D3 gave optimal effects on feed conversion ratio and egg laying rate. This combination could be a nutritional strategy for increasing the laying rate, eggshell quality, serum hormone levels and serum antioxidant function regardless of 25-OH-D3 supplementation. Supplementation of 50 µg/kg 25-OH-D3 could be a recommended dose for improving the serum antioxidant capacity and intestinal morphology regardless of vitamin D3 supplementation.

Therapeutic prospect on umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells in animal model with primary ovarian insufficiency: a meta-analysis.

Background: Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) leads to not only infertile but several adverse health events to women. Traditional treatment methods have their own set of limitations and drawbacks that vary in degree. Application of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUCMSC) is a promising strategy for POI. However, there is a lack of literatures on application of hUCMSC in human. Animal experimental model, however, can reflect the potential effectiveness of this employment. This study aimed to evaluate the curative effect of hUCMSC on animals with POI on a larger scale. Methods: To gather data, Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for studies published up to April 2022. Various indices, including the animals' estrous cycle, serum sex hormone levels, and follicle number in the ovary, were compared between the experimental group and those with Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI). Results: The administration of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSC) has been shown to significantly improve the estrous cycle (RR: 3.32, 95% CI: [1.80, 6.12], I2 = 0%, P = 0.0001), but robustly decrease its length (SMD: -1.97, 95% CI: [-2.58, -1.36], I2 = 0%, P < 0.00001). It can also strikingly increase levels of serum estradiol (SMD: 5.34, 95% CI: [3.11, 7.57], I2 = 93%, P < 0.00001) and anti-müllerian hormone (SMD: 1.92, 95% CI: [0.60, 3.25], I2 = 68%, P = 0.004). Besides, it lowers levels of serum follicle-stimulating hormone (SMD: -3.02, 95% CI: [-4.88, -1.16], I2 = 93%, P = 0.001) and luteinising hormone (SMD: -2.22, 95% CI: [-3.67, -0.76], I2 = 78%, P = 0.003), and thus collectively promotes folliculogenesis (SMD: 4.90, 95% CI: [3.92, 5.88], I2 = 0%, P < 0.00001). Conclusions: Based on the presented findings, it is concluded that the administration of hUCMSC in animal models with POI can result in significant improvements in several key indicators, including estrous cycle recovery, hormone level modulation, and promotion of folliculogenesis. These positive outcomes suggest that hUCMSC may have potential as a treatment for POI in humans. However, further research is needed to establish the safety and efficacy of hUCMSC in humans before their clinical application. Systematic review registration: https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2023-5-0075/, identifier: INPLASY202350075.

[Current indications and operative strategy for renal hyperparathyroidism]. / Aktuelle Indikation und operative Strategie beim renalen Hyperparathyreoidismus.

BACKGROUND: Renal hyperparathyroidism results from pathophysiologic changes induced and maintained by terminal renal failure. Surgical treatment is possible using various resection strategies. AIM OF THE WORK (RESEARCH QUESTION): The aim of this work is to illustrate the indications, techniques and resection strategies for surgical treatment of renal hyperparathyroidism. MATERIAL AND METHODS: National and international guidelines regarding the surgical treatment of renal hyperparathyroidism were analyzed. Furthermore, our own practical experience was integrated into the article. RESULTS: While the indications for surgery according to the Surgical Working Group Endocrinology (CAEK) guidelines are given in cases of clinical impairment and renal hyperparathyroidism that cannot be controlled by medication, international guidelines additionally refer to the absolute parathyroid hormone level for deciding for surgery. DISCUSSION: Individual patient consultation is necessary in the case of renal hyperparathyroidism in order to determine the right time for surgical treatment as well as the most suitable surgical technique, taking into account the individual risk profile and other therapeutic perspectives, including renal transplantation.

Effects of the body mass index of males on hormone levels, sperm and embryo parameters, and clinical outcomes in non-obstructive azoospermia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Research has shown that the body mass index (BMI) is not correlated with sperm retrieval outcomes, while serum testosterone and gonadotropins are related to the BMI in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Previously, no comprehensive assessment had been conducted on the effect of the BMI of males in NOA. This study sought to comprehensively evaluate the effects of the BMI of males on hormone levels, sperm and embryo parameters, and clinical outcomes in NOA. Methods: The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched to retrieved relevant articles published up to May 27, 2022. Articles which examined patients with NOA (population), included patients with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (intervention) versus patients with a BMI <25 kg/m2 (comparator), assessed reproductive hormones, sperm and embryo parameters, and clinical outcomes (outcome), and were cohort studies (study design) were included. The quality of the included studies was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A sensitivity analysis was conducted for all the outcomes. Results: A total of 12 studies comprising 2,994 NOA patients were included. Patients with a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 had lower follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) [pooled weighted mean difference (WMD): -0.67, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.94 to -0.41, P<0.001] and total testosterone (TT) (pooled WMD: -1.35, 95% CI: -2.10 to -0.60, P<0.001) levels than those with a normal weight (BMI <25 kg/m2). The testicular volume of the BMI ≥25 kg/m2 group was larger than that of the normal weight group (pooled WMD: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.09 to 0.44, P=0.003). The average BMI of the group with successful sperm extraction was lower than that of the group with failed sperm extraction (pooled WMD: -0.97, 95% CI: -1.89 to -0.04, P=0.041). The live-birth rate of the BMI ≥25 kg/m2 group was lower than that of the normal weight group [pooled relative risk (RR) =0.88, 95% CI: 0.78 to 0.99, P=0.031]. Conclusions: The BMI of the males was an important factor affecting the FSH and TT levels, testicular volume, sperm retrieval success, and live-birth rate in NOA. Weight management may benefit NOA patients.

Effects of different hemostasis methods in laparoscopic ovarian cyst surgery on postoperative pain and sex hormone levels / 中华内分泌外科杂志

Objective:To study the effect of different hemostasis methods on postoperative pain and sex hormone levels in patients undergoing laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy.Methods:A total of 118 patients with ovarian cysts admitted to our hospital from Jun. 2018.6 to Aug. 2020 were collected and grouped by digital table method into electrocoagulation hemostasis group (59 cases, electrocoagulation hemostasis) and suture hemostasis group (59 cases, suture hemostasis). Pain at time points, serum inflammatory factors and sex hormone levels in the two groups were measured, and the incidence of complications was counted 12 weeks after surgery.Results:The VAS scores of suture hemostasis group at 6, 12 and 24 h after operation (3.33±0.93, 3.63±1.02, 3.01±0.94) were significantly lower than those of the electrocoagulation hemostasis group (4.16±1.05, 4.61±1.17, 3.72±1.05) ; there was no significant difference in serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels between the preoperative suture hemostasis group and the electrocoagulation hemostasis group. The serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the group (37.64±4.82ng/L, 39.67±4.71ng/L) were lower than those in the electrocoagulation hemostasis group (45.96±5.25ng/L, 48.96±5.14ng/L) ( P<0.05) .) ; there was no significant difference in serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E 2) or luteinizing hormone (LH) levels between preoperative electrocoagulation hemostasis group and suture hemostasis group ( P>0.05) ; There was no significant difference in the three indexes in the suture hemostasis group 3 months after operation compared with those before treatment ( P>0.05). The serum FSH and LH [ (6.59±0.91) mIU/ml, (5.24±0.77) mIU/ml] in the suture hemostasis group were lower than those in the electrocoagulation hemostasis group [ (7.39±1.02) mIU/m, (5.97±0.89) mIU/m], E 2 in suture hemostasis group [ (51.08±6.09) pg/ml] was higher than that in electrocoagulation hemostasis group [ (46.88±5.59) pg/ml] ( P<0.05). In terms of the complication rate at 3 months after operation, the suture hemostasis group (32.20%) was significantly lower than electrocoagulation hemostasis (13.56%) ( P<0.05). After 1 year of follow-up, the pregnancy success rate of the suture hemostasis group (72.88%) was significantly higher than that of the electrocoagulation hemostasis group (52.54%) ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in pregnancy outcomes ( P>0.05) . Conclusions:Suture hemostasis in patients undergoing laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy is beneficial to relieve postoperative pain, improve postoperative inflammatory response, protect their ovarian function, avoid complications such as abnormal ovulation and excessive menstrual flow, and improve the success rate of pregnancy. The overall application effect is better than electrocoagulation hemostasis.

Clinical study of self-made Xingqi Jiedu Decoction combined with goserelin in the treatment of endometriosis / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To evaluate the curative effect of self-made Xingqi Jiedu Decoction combined with goserelin for endometriosis (EMT).Methods:Randomized controlled trial. A total of 84 patients with EMT in the hospital were enrolled as observation objects between July 2019 and July 2021. According to random number table method, they were divided into the control group (subcutaneous injection of goserelin) and the observation group (self-made Xingqi Jiedu Decoction on basis of control group), 42 in each group. All were treated for 6 months. TCM syndromes were scored before and after treatment. The severity of pelvic pain was evaluated by VAS. The levels of FSH, LH and estradiol (E 2) were detected by full-automatic chemiluminescence immunoassay and corresponding reagents, and levels of serum IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α were detected by ELISA. The adverse events were recorded, and clinical curative effect was evaluated. Results:The differences in total response rate between observation group and control group was statistically significant [95.24% (40/42) vs. 80.95% (34/42); χ2=4.09, P=0.043]. After treatment, scores of TCM syndromes and VAS in observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t=14.30, 7.32, P<0.01). After treatment, FSH [(5.36±1.03) U/L vs. (6.20±1.35) U/L, t=3.21], E 2[(230.57±36.84) pmol/L vs. (265.28±37.53) pmol/L, t=4.28] and LH [(8.15±1.18) U/L vs. (9.24±2.01) U/L, t=3.03] in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01). The levels of IL-1β, IL-8 and TNF-α in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t=5.05, 5.07, 3.82, P<0.01). During treatment, differences in incidence of adverse reactions between observation group and control group was statistically significant [19.05% (8/42) vs. 4.76% (2/42); χ2=4.09, P=0.043]. Conclusion:The self-made Xingqi Jiedu Decoction combined with goserelin can improve hormone level, inhibit inflammatory response and improve clinical curative effect in EMT patients.

Adverse impact of elevated serum progesterone and luteinizing hormone levels on the hCG trigger day on clinical pregnancy outcomes of modified natural frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycles.

Research question: The relationship between serum progesterone (P) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels on the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) trigger day and the clinical pregnancy outcomes in modified natural frozen-thawed embryo transfer (mNC-FET) cycles are controversial. Design: This was a retrospective study of 788 mNC-FET cycles. A smooth fitting curve and threshold effect analysis was performed to identify the effect of serum P and LH levels measured on the hCG day on the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) of mNC-FET cycles. Results: The CPR and LBR decreased significantly when the LH level on the hCG day was greater than or equal to 32 IU/L. Further subgroup analysis showed that the CPR decreased significantly when the P level on the hCG day was equal to or greater than 1 ng/mL. When the P level was lower (< 1 ng/mL), the patients with an LH level greater than or equal to 32 IU/L had reduced CPR and LBR in mNC-FET cycles. Conclusion: Applying the hCG trigger on a day with a higher P level (≥ 1 ng/mL) leads to a decreased CPR and LBR. hCG administration with a higher LH level (≥ 32 IU/L) also leads to a decreased CPR and LBR in mNC-FET cycles when the P level is less than 1 ng/mL.

Biofeedback therapy combined with Baduanjin on quality of life and gastrointestinal hormone level in patients with colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: With the change in people's lifestyles, the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is increasing. It is essential to study the efficacy of various treatment methods for CRC patients to prevent and treat CRC. AIM: To investigate the efficacy of biofeedback therapy combined with Baduanjin in improving the quality of life and gastrointestinal hormone levels of patients with CRC. METHODS: A total of 120 patients with CRC who were admitted to our hospital from June 2020 to June 2021 were included in the study. They were randomly divided into four groups (n = 30): the control group (group A), the biofeedback therapy intervention group (group B), the Baduanjin exercise intervention group (group C), and the combination group (group D). Patients in group A adopted the standard nursing mode and necessary health education. Patients in group B were treated with biofeedback therapy based on routine nursing care. Patients in group C were given Baduanjin intervention for 12 wk based on conventional drug treatment and care. Patients in group D were treated with biofeedback therapy and Baduanjin exercise. In this study, patients' quality of life, gastrointestinal hormone levels, and clinical efficacy in the four groups were observed at baseline and 12 wk after intervention. Meanwhile, the correlation between gastrointestinal hormone levels and various functional areas of quality of life was analyzed. By comparing the observed indicators of patients in the four groups, the efficacy of biofeedback therapy combined with Baduanjin in improving the quality of life and gastrointestinal hormone levels of patients with CRC was explored. RESULTS: At baseline, there were no significant differences in quality of life, gastrointestinal hormone levels, or clinical efficacy among the four groups (P > 0.05). Twelve weeks after the intervention, the combination group's quality of life, gastrointestinal hormone levels, and clinical effectiveness were better than those of the three other groups. CONCLUSION: On the basis of routine nursing care, patients with CRC combined with biofeedback therapy and Baduanjin exercise can improve the quality of life of patients with CRC and the efficacy of gastrointestinal hormone levels.

Dietary Supplementation of Enzymatically Treated Artemisia annua L. Improves Lactation Performance, Alleviates Inflammatory Response of Sows Reared Under Heat Stress, and Promotes Gut Development in Preweaning Offspring.

Artemisia annua L., which is known for its antimalarial compound artemisinin, has commonly been used for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial functions. Enzymatically treating Artemisia annua L. can improve its bioavailability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary enzymatically treated Artemisia annua L. (EA) supplementation in late gestation and lactation diets on sow performance, serum hormone, inflammatory cytokines, and immunoglobulin level of heat-stressed sows. A total of 135 multiparous sows (Large White × Landrace) on day 85 of gestation were selected and randomly distributed into 3 groups with 45 replicates per group. The control group was reared under standard conditions (temperature: 27.12 ± 0.18°C, THI (temperature-humidity index): 70.90 ± 0.80) and fed with basal diet. The heat stress (HS) and HS + EA groups were raised in heat-stressed conditions (temperature: 30.11 ± 0.16°C, THI: 72.70 ± 0.60) and fed with basal diets supplemented with 0 or 1.0 g/kg EA, respectively. This trial lasted for 50 consecutive days until day 21 of lactation. Compared with the control group, HS increased the concentrations of serum endotoxin and heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70), and inflammatory cytokines in serum, colostrum, and 14 day milk of sows. Meanwhile, the EA supplementation decreased levels of serum endotoxin, HSP-70, and inflammatory cytokines in both sows and offspring and increased serum triiodothyronine (T3) level and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of sows. In addition, EA significantly improved average daily gain (ADG) and altered intestinal morphology with an increased villus height in the duodenum and ileum of piglets. Collectively, EA supplementation at 1.0 g/kg in late gestation and lactation diets alleviated the adverse effects of HS, which were reflected by enhancing ADFI and decreasing endotoxin as well as inflammatory cytokine levels in the serum and colostrum of heat-stressed sows, while promoting ADG and gut development of their offspring.

Neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism: A case report.

Neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism (NSHPT) is a rare genetic disorder that presents within the first six months of life. We present the case report of a male child who presented to us in the first month of his life with symptoms of lethargy, constipation, and reluctance to feed. One sibling of the child had died earlier with similar symptoms in the first six months of life. Upon physical examination, the child was lethargic, dehydrated, had bradycardia with hyperreflexia. Serum electrolyte analysis showed hypercalcaemia and hypophosphataemia. Further workup revealed elevated serum parathyroid hormone levels and Calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) gene mutation in autosomal recessive patterns. The father was discovered to be heterozygous for the same mutation but is asymptomatic. Diagnosis of neonatal severe hyperparathyroidism was made and the child was managed medically with intravenous fluids, Furosemide, Pamidronate, and Cinacalcet. On inconsistent response to medical therapy, he underwent total parathyroidectomy with auto transplantation of half of the left lower parathyroid gland. Postoperatively, the child is being managed on oral calcium and Alpha Calcidiol supplementation and is doing well.

Effects of itol A on the larval growth and development of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

BACKGROUND: Itol A, extracted from Itoa orientalis Hemsl. (Flacourtiaceae), possesses bioactivity on Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae). Our previous study showed that the effects on Spodoptera frugiperda, a destructive pest found worldwide, were similar to those of fenoxycarb (FC), a juvenile hormone analog. Thus, we speculate that itol A could have growth-regulating effects. The current work explored juvenile hormone (JH) levels and mRNA levels of crucial JH signaling pathway enzyme genes in S. frugiperda larvae treated with itol A and FC. RESULTS: Itol A caused severe growth obstacles in S. frugiperda, extended the larval duration and reduced the mean worm weight and body length rates. Three and 7 days after exposure to a sublethal concentration of itol A (500 mg L-1 ), the JH level of the larvae significantly decreased by 36.59% and 22.70%, respectively. qPCR inferred that the mRNA expression levels of crucial JH metabolism enzymes (SfJHE and SfJHEH) significantly increased by 6.58-fold and 2.12-fold, respectively, relative to the control group 3 days after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Itol A adversely affects the development of S. frugiperda. We propose that this effect was caused by decreasing JH levels and disrupting the JH signaling pathway via mediating its synthetic and metabolic crucial enzymes. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

The Opposite Roles of White Light in Regulating Germination of Fresh and Aged Seed in Tobacco.

Light is one of the important environmental factors for seeds to evaluate whether the natural environment is appropriate for germination and subsequent seedlings emergence. The mechanism of light-mediated germination is mainly concerned with fresh seeds (FS) of model plants but is poorly understood in aged seeds. Here, the effects of light on germination of FS and naturally aged seeds (NAS) in tobacco and their relationship with plant hormones gibberellins (GA) and abscisic acid (ABA) were investigated. The results demonstrated that light promoted and inhibited the germination of FS and NAS, respectively. GA and ABA were involved in the germination control of NAS, as well as in FS. However, light suppressed GA signal and stimulated ABA signal in NAS, whereas it stimulated GA signal and suppressed ABA signal in FS. In addition, light stimulated the GA accumulation and reduction in ABA in FS while inhibiting the increase in GA level in NAS. Together, the present study demonstrates that light has opposite effects on the germination of FS and NAS, which are closely related to the metabolism and/or signaling of plant hormones ABA and GA.

Effects of artificial light at night (ALAN) on gene expression of Aquatica ficta firefly larvae.

Artificial light at night (ALAN) is a major driver of firefly population declines, but its physiological effects are not well understood. To investigate the impact of ALAN on firefly development, we exposed larval Aquatica ficta fireflies to ALAN for two weeks. High larval mortality was observed in the periods of 1-68 days and 106-134 days post-treatment, which may represent the short- and long-term impacts of ALAN. We then profiled the transcriptome of larval Aquatica ficta fireflies following two weeks of ALAN exposure. A total of 1262 (1.67% out of 75777 unigenes) were differentially expressed in the treatment group: 1157 were down-regulated, and 105 were up-regulated. Up-regulated unigenes were related to regulation of hormone levels, ecdysteroid metabolic process, and response to stimulus; down-regulated unigenes were related to negative regulation of insulin receptor signaling, germ cell development, oogenesis, spermatid development, and regulation of neuron differentiation. Transcriptome results suggest that the endocrine, reproductive, and neural development of firefly larvae could be impaired by even relatively brief period of ALAN exposure. This report contributes a much-needed molecular perspective to the growing body of research documenting the fitness impacts of ALAN on bioluminescent fireflies.

RFamide-related peptides' gene expression, polymorphism, and their association with reproductive traits in chickens.

RFamide-related peptides (RFRP) are synthesized by the hypothalamus and have a regulatory role in gonad development. The goal of this study was to investigate the association between SNP of the RFRP gene and the reproductive traits and hormone levels of Zhenning yellow chickens. The mRNA expression levels were detected based on different tissues, ages, and genotypes. Eleven mutation sites were detected in the RFRP gene, 4 of which were significantly related to reproductive traits and hormone levels. Association analysis revealed that A276G was associated with egg production at 300 d of age (EP300) and amount of prehierarchical follicles (P < 0.05). G1396A was associated with egg weight at 300 d of age and luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin levels (P < 0.05). G1694A showed significant associations with fertilization rate and LH levels (P < 0.05), and A2659G was associated with EP300 (P < 0.05). The results of expression analysis showed that the RFRP mRNA expression levels in the hypothalamus were higher than those in other tissues (P < 0.01). The expression in immature individuals was higher than that in mature ones (P < 0.01). There were also differences in mRNA expression levels between different genotypes (P < 0.05). In summary, the results of this study might provide potential markers and a theoretical basis for the improvement of chicken reproductive traits.